Comment by the Reading Chronicle Editor, Andrew Colley.

Our battle to beat coronavirus starts now! It is time to offer a much-needed lifeline for concerned and vulnerable residents in Reading.

For many people reading this week’s Reading Chronicle, this will be the first time you have experienced such unpredictable and worrying events.

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Hospitals are under immense pressure, operations are being cancelled and many shops and businesses will suffer whilst older and defenceless members of our society are left feeling locked away from the rest of the world.

But today we say enough is enough. It’s time for those who can help to make themselves known and join The Chronicle in offering a community lifeline as part of this special COVID-19 campaign.

What are we doing as local journalists?

We will join forces with local authorities, businesses, charities and community groups to do all we can to help.

For almost 200 years, this newspaper has stood to be the chronicle of news and events near you. We are, for many people – especially the older generation – the go-to publication for everything they need.

READ ALSO: Reading numbers to call for advice and support during coronavirus outbreak.

Now more than ever, we need to go one step further. We promise, in these tumultuous and most testing of times, to go the extra mile.

As well as bringing all the latest news and reaction, we will deliver essential healthcare advice, include a weekly directory of important contact numbers and bring you expert tips from people across the UK.

There will also be an emphasis on the positive news as we look for light at the end of the tunnel.

Also there will be coronavirus information relating to schools, finance, health and much more. As Reading’s only printed newspaper, we will always be the town’s biggest cheerleader and, in times of need, a shoulder to cry on.

How can you get involved?

The news we deliver on a weekly basis is essential for those who cannot get out, do not have access to the internet and are isolated from friends and family.

We call on our readers to support them – help with shopping and maintenance, but make sure to get a copy of The Chronicle as well as their milk and bread.

We want to get as much information and advice out to these amazing neighbours as is humanly possible. In the days and weeks to come, we will work with business leaders to do what we can to further support industry which comes under increasing strain.

And we implore you to do everything you can whilst remaining safe and healthy.

We’re open to suggestions. Please contact us directly by emailing the editor on andrew.colley@newsquest.co.uk with any ideas about how we can back our town as a united team.

Together we can make a real difference – let’s do everything in our power to offer that much-needed community lifeline for those who desperately need our help.

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